On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Matamata, the Swifts 3rds played their first game of the league. They got off to a great start with a convincing win over Ruakura in a clean match.

Some old familiar faces were back in the side. Everyone enjoyed playing well and created plenty of oppotunities. Bevan, Rob and Joel combined well in the middle, with Chris and Mike C drawing defenders aside to open up space for strikers Joe and Piki to slot away some surperb goals.

The back line joined forces to keep Ruakura's attackers form closing the gap. Robert Crudis slotting in at right back made a great debut for the side chasing down attackers throughout the second half.

The Swifts got a penalty in the goal box after striker Adam was chopped down. Pete Vossen stepped up, as cool, calm and collected as ever, and handed the keeper a dream back-pass. He then followed up, but hugging the goal post doesn't score goals Pete!!!

His header in to the back of the net from Joel's corner and, of course, the box in the changing sheds after the game more than made up for it all.

Manager Peter Tatham walked away with a grin from ear to ear after giving Peter Vossen and goal keeper Dave Taylor a pat on the back and awarding them combined players of the match.

Goal scorers: Joe 2, Bevan 1, Piki 1, Pete V 1.